Abstract:
Introduction. Wrist arthrodesis is a procedure performed in advanced arthritis with painful
movement in wrist joint. In the result of the wrist arthrodesis appear intercarpal ankylosis. This
surgery is a rescue one, and is made in order to remove the pain syndrome and increase the strength
of the hand. Unfortunately, wrist arthrodesis is performed with the cost of losing of range of
movement. Aim of study was evaluation of stem cells using in wrist arthrodesis.
Material and Method. Our study was based on experimental research on New Zealand rabbits. As
methods of implementation of the study included: preparation of allogeneic demineralized bone
grafts, bone marrow sampling and isolation of autologous stem cells. In the first study group, on 7
laboratory animals was performed arthrodesis of wrist joint with allograft. In the second study
group, on other 7 laboratory animals, was performed arthrodesis using the allograft with stem cells.
Results. For the initial stage, it was prepared 28 demineralized allografts, then by tissue engineering
was obtained 14 osteo-cellular grafts. In all 14 cases, an immediate postoperative radiograph was
performed. The clinical and radiological evaluation, performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the surgery.
Computer tomography was done 12 weeks postoperatively. Imagistic results showed us, that the
group were performed arthrodesis using combined graft with stem cells, the ankylosis were achieved
faster. Histological examinations indicate more active involvement in the process of osteogenesis in
the use of combined stem cell transplantation.
Conclusion. Our study showed that the arthrodesis of the wrist using the allograft with stem cells
have a positive impact in the process of osteogenesis.
